Dutch Warship Enters Paracel Islands Waters to Conduct Freedom of Navigation Operation

According to a report from the PLA Southern Theater Command, the Royal Netherlands Navy frigate HNLMS De Ruyter entered the waters of the disputed Paracel Islands in the South China Sea today, repeatedly launching its ship-borne helicopter during the transit. The Southern Theater Command claimed to have used electronic interference measures to drive the ship away. According to previous statements from the Dutch side, the ship is currently executing the 'Pacific Archer' mission in the Indo-Pacific region, marking the Netherlands' commitment to freedom of navigation. The PLA Southern Theater Command's WeChat official account released a press release on the evening of the 27th, in which spokesperson Zhai Shichen claimed that on May 27, the Dutch frigate HNLMS De Ruyter (hull number F804) 'illegally intruded into China's Xisha Islands' and repeatedly launched its ship-borne helicopter to 'invade our national airspace.' Zhai claimed that the Southern Theater Command organized naval and air forces to take necessary measures, including voice warnings and warning electronic interference, in accordance with the law and regulations to drive the ship away. He stated that the Dutch actions 'seriously violated China's territorial sovereignty and maritime and air security, seriously violated international law and the basic norms of international relations, seriously undermined peace and stability in the South China Sea, and are highly likely to cause misunderstanding and misjudgment.' China firmly opposes this and warns the Dutch side to immediately stop its infringing and provocative actions. As of now, the Royal Netherlands Navy has not released any information regarding today's operation. According to the Royal Netherlands Navy's Facebook page, the De Ruyter arrived in the Philippines on the 22nd for a three-day visit. The Dutch Embassy in the Philippines posted on the 23rd that this visit is part of the 'Pacific Archer' deployment, a planned mission focusing on the Indo-Pacific region. This mission marks the Netherlands' ongoing commitment to maritime security, freedom of navigation, and deepening partnerships with regional partners, including the Philippines.